THE 


SCHOOL  SERVICE 


BY 

KABBI   JOSEPH   KRAUSKOPF,  D.D. 


PHILADELPHIA  : 

OSCAR    KLONOWER. 

1894. 


-Ot 


COPYRIGHT,  1894,  BY  JOSEPH  KRAUSKOPF. 


\i 


PRESS  OF 

EDWARD  STERN  A  CO.,  INC., 
PHILADELPHIA. 


ORGAN  VOLUNTARY. 


OPENING    PRAYER. 

0  GOD,  be  graciously  pleased  to  take  us  under  Thy 
Fatherly  care.  Imprint  upon  our  hearts  such  a  grateful 
sense  of  Thy  goodness  to  us  as  may  make  us  ashamed 
to  offend  Thee.  Dispose  us  to  dedicate  our  souls  and 
minds  and  hearts  to  Thee  in  a  righteous  and  useful  life. 
Keep  us  temperate  in  our  desires  and  ambitions,  and  dili- 
gent in  our  avocations.  Incline  us  to  be  just  and  upright 
in  all  our  dealings,  full  of  compassion,  and  ready  to  do 
good  to  all.  Make  our  thoughts,  our  words,  our  deeds, 
testimonies  that  Thou  alone  rulest  within  us,  and  that  the 
peace  and  the  well-being  of  our  fellow-men  lie  nearest  to 
our  hearts.  These  things,  and  whatever  else  may  profit 
the  ends  for  which  we  have  been  placed  on  earth,  we 
humbly  beg  of  Thee,  our  God  and  Father.  Amen. 

Choir  : 

0  trust  in  God,  to  Him  your  hearts  outpour, 
For  He  our  Refuge  is  for  evermore. 

Psalm  Ixii.  9. 

Schools  : 

Lead  ws,  0  Lord,  in  Thy  righteousness ; 
Make  straight  before  us  Thy  way. 

Psalm  v.  9. 


ADORATION. 

rrirr:  nriN  rjna 

Superintendent : 

Unto  Thee,  0  Lord,  we  render  praise,  honor,  and  thanks. 
Mighty  things  hast  Thou  done  for  us,  and  in  us  hast  Thou 
magnified  Thy  greatness  and  Thy  goodness. 

Praised  be  Thou  for  the  souls  and  minds  with  which 
Thou  hast  ennobled  us,  and  which  render  us  capable  of 
comprehending  the  excellence  of  Thy  works,  and  of  under- 
standing the  noble  mission  Thou  would^t  have  us  till  on 
earth. 

Praised  be  Thou  for  our  endowments  and  faculties,  for 
the  health  of  our  bodies,  for  the  soundness  of  our  senses, 
for  Thy  bountiful  provisions  for  our  necessities  and  com- 
fort, for  the  faithful  monitor  which  Thou  hast  placed  within 
us,  to  warn  us  against  wrong  and  to  approve  the  right. 

Praised  be  Thou  for  the  many  dangers  averted,  for  the 
frequent  rescues  without  which  we  should  long  since  have 
perished,  for  the  pleasures  of  our  homes  and  association- 
ships,  for  all  the  means  through  which  Thou  hast  sweet- 
ened our  life  and  hast  prospered  our  ways. 

Praised  be  Thou,  also,  for  the  troubles  which  Thou  hast 
allotted  to  us,  and  which  have  rendered  us  both  wiser  and 
humbler ;  for  the  consolation  which  Thou  hast  imparted  to 
us  under  them,  and  for  the  happy  issue  which  Thou  hast 
opened  to  us  out  of  them. 

Praised  be  Thou  for  the  joys  and  gratification  with 
which  Thou  hast  so  abundantly  enriched  us  ;  for  every 
sunbeam  that  cheers  our  hearts,  for  every  draught  that 
refreshes  us,  for  every  morsel  that  nourishes  us,  for  every 
token  of  peace  and  good-will,  for  every  advance  of  progress 
and  enlightenment  that  gladdens  our  hearts  and  inspires 
our  minds. 


For  all  these,  and  yet  other  blessings  which  Thou  hast 
vouchsafed  unto  us,  and  for  those  which,  in  Thy  superior 
wisdom,  Thou  hast  been  pleased  to  deny  us,  we  render 
praise  and  glory  unto  Thy  name,  now  and  for  ever.  Amen. 

Choir  : 

Praise  ye  the  Lord,  the 
Praise-deserving. 

School : 

Praised  be  the  Lord,  the 
Praise-deserving,  for  ever 
and  aye. 


tiitf? 


SCHOOL. 

THE   LORD   IS   IN   HIS   HOLY   TEMPLE. 

God  is  in  His  holy  temple : 

Earthly  thoughts,  be  silent  now, 
While  with  reverence  we  assemble, 

And  before  His  presence  bow. 
He  is  with  us  now  and  ever, 

When  we  call  upon  His  name, 
Aiding  every  good  endeavor, 

Guiding  every  upward  aim. 

God  is  in  His  holy  temple, — 

In  the  pure  and  holy  mind  ; 
In  the  reverent  heart  and  simple ; 

In  the  soul  from  sense  refined : 
Then  let  every  low  emotion 

Banished  far  and  silent  be, 
And  our  souls  in  pure  devotion, 

Lord,  be  temples  worthy  Thee  ! 

ANON. 


One  of  the  following  ten  SERVICES  to  be  selected  for  each  Sabbath : 

SERVICE    I. 


MEDITATION. 

(To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 
THE  SABBATH. 

HAIL,  sacred  Sabbath,  that  rests  the  individual,  blesses 
the  family,  prospers  the  community,  secures  the  state, 
exalts  the  nation,  pours  light  and  life  on  earth !  Thou 
art  the  golden  clasp  that  binds  together  the  volume  of 
the  week.  Thou  art  the  keystone  in  the  arch  of  public 
morals :  without  thee  the  whole  structure  falls ! 

What  a  precious  boon  the  Sabbath  is  to  the  sons  of 
toil  and  the  children  of  care  !  However  much  men  may 
be  divided  on  questions  of  religion,  there  exists  almost 
perfect  unanimity  among  all  in  their  belief  that  a  whole 
day  of  rest,  after  every  six  days  of  toil,  is  the  indis- 
pensable requisite  for  the  health  and  progress  of  human- 
kind. The  Sabbath  has  humanized  man.  It  has  secured 
for  society  the  largest  amount  of  labor  which  man  is  capable 
of  rendering.  Where  the  Sabbath  is  best  observed,  there 
work  is  best  performed.  Where  hand  and  brain  relax  one 
day  in  each  week,  there  tasks  become  easier  when  resumed. 
The  bow  that  soonest  breaks  is  the  bow  that  is  never  un- 
strung. Day  after  day  records  an  excessive  waste  of  tissue 
and  of  vital  force.  Unless  we  allow  ourselves  one  whole 
day  of  freedom  from  all  work,  both  manual  and  mental,  so 
that  the  waste  may  be  repaired,  ill  health  is  the  con- 
sequence, and  we  are  disabled  from  rendering  the  best  ser- 
vice to  society,  from  reaping  the  best  harvest  from  our  toil, 


and,  saddest  of  all,  we  are  hastened  into  an  untimely 
grave. 

The  Sabbath  is  like  the  green  oasis  in  the  wilderness 
where,  after  the  week's  journey,  the  pilgrim  halts  for 
repose,  where  he  rests  beneath  the  shade  of  the  lofty  palm 
trees,  and,  refreshing  himself  with  the  waters  of  the  calm, 
clear  stream,  recovers  his  strength,  and  goes  forth  again 
upon  his  pilgrimage  with  renewed  vigor  and  cheerfulness. 

The  morality  and  spirituality  of  a  community  constitute 
the  most  important  factors  in  the  promotion  of  civilization, 
and  these  blessings  come  to  us  almost  exclusively  through 
the  observance  of  the  Sabbath.  The  heart  needs  training, 
and  the  soul  needs  opportunity  for  spiritual  elevation,  but 
these  cannot  be  acquired  in  the  mine  or  in  the  quarry,  at 
the  loom  or  at  the  forge,  at  the  plow  or  in  the  shop.  Un- 
interrupted toil  not  only  undermines  the  health  and  dwarfs 
the  intellect,  but  also  blunts  the  virtues  and  deadens  the 
nobler  sensibilities  in  man.  As  the  diver  has  need  to 
come  occasionally  to  the  surface  in  order  to  fill  his  lungs 
with  fresh  and  invigorating  air,  so,  too,  must  we,  from 
time  to  time,  raise  ourselves  from  the  stifling  depths  of 
toil  and  care  that  we  may  breathe  a  pure  and  spiritual 
atmosphere,  and  thus  save  the  heart  and  soul  from  suffoca- 
tion. We  need  the  Sabbath  to  purge  us  from  the  dross  of 
life  and  to  purify  our  moral  and  spiritual  nature.  "We 
need  the  Sabbath  to  give  life  its  true  interpretation,  to 
teach  us  that  man  is  not  a  mere  machine,  placed  here 
solely  to  toil  and  to  drudge.  We  need  the  Sabbath  to 
teach  us  that  there  is  a  God  above  us  and  a  future  before 
us,  and  to  acquaint  us  with  the  sacred  duties  we  owe  to 
self,  to  others,  and  to  our  own  family  circles. 

The  sweetest  blessing  which  the  Sabbath  brings  is  the 
joy  of  the  family  reunion,  which  binds  the  hearts  of  the 
parents  unto  the  children  and  the  hearts  of  the  children 


6 


unto  the  parents  in  the  tender  bonds  of  an  affection  which 
gives  to  life  its  purest  joy.  It  affords  the  opportunity  for 
receiving  moral  and  religious  instruction,  for  social  inter- 
course with  friends  and  neighbors,  for  visiting  the  sick,  for 
comforting  the  mourning,  for  aiding  the  helpless.  Take 
the  Sabbath  from  man,  and  his  heart  will  turn  to  stone  and 
his  spiritual  nature  will  be  crushed.  To  abolish  the  Sab- 
bath would  be  to  annihilate  one  of  the  mightiest  agents 
in  civilizing  and  socializing  mankind — would  be  to  dry  up 
a  fountain  of  purifying  influences,  and  to  deprive  human 
life  of  one  of  its  most  sacred  and  refining  pleasures. 

RESPONSIVE    READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

Six  days  were  given  us  for  labor,  and  one  for  rest : 
As  the  former  is  a  duty,  so  is  the  latter  a  necessity. 

School: 

Toil  and  wrath  shorten  a  life, 

And  care  bringeth  age  before  the  time. 

As  the  Sabbath  is  distinguished  from  the  other  six  days, 
So  let  thy  use  of  it  differ  from  thy  weekday  occupation. 

Constant  toil  draineth  the  body  of  strength  : 
There  is  no  riches  like  health. 

Better  a  poor  man,  sound  and  strong  of  constitution, 
Than  a  rich  man  that  is  afflicted  in  his  body. 

Health  and  a  good  constitution  are  above  all  gold. 
And  a  strong  body  above  infinite  wealth. 

There  is  no  riches  above  a  sound  body, 
And  no  joy  above  the  joy  of  the  heart. 

Death  is  better  than  a  bitter  life, 
And  eternal  rest  than  continual  toil. 


Gladness  of  heart  is  the  life  of  a  man, 

And  the  joyfulness  of  a  man  prolongeth  his  days. 

Love  thyself  and  comfort  thy  heart ; 
Remove  worry  far  from  thee. 

Ceaseless  toil  hath  killed  many, 
And  there  is  no  profit  therein. 

They  who  delight  in  the  Sabbath 
Shall  fold  peace  and  health  and  joy. 

Ben  Sirach.— Mediaeval  Rabbis. 

HYMN. 
THE    DAY    OF    REST. 

Come.  0  Sabbath  day,  and  bring 
Peace  and  healing  on  thy  wing, 
And  to  every  troubled  breast 
Speak  of  the  divine  behest : 
Thou  shalt  rest ! 

Earthly  longings  bid  retire, 
Quench  our  passions'  hurtful  fire ; 
To  the  wayward,  sin-oppressed, 
Bring  thou  the  divine  behest : 
Thou  shalt  rest ! 

Wipe  from  every  cheek  the  tear, 
Banish  care,  and  silence  fear ; 
All  things  working  for  the  best, 
Teach  the  one  divine  behest: 
Thou  shalt  rest  I 
(Turn  to  page  44.) 


SERVICE   II. 


MEDITATION. 

(To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 

RETRIBUTION. 

Psalm  xlvi.  2. 

11  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God  !"  Thus  speaks  the 
voice  of  the  Lord  to  us  from  out  of  the  great  events  of 
the  world.  Not  man's  but  God's  will  is  done.  Something 
different  from  what  we  expect  is  ever  occurring.  Many 
changes  have  taken  place  which  mortals  in  their  blind 
folly  would  fain  have  prevented.  In  vain  are  the  ravings 
and  the  fury  of  man.  What  is  to  be,  comes  to  pass. 
Everything  has  its  limit,  which  no  man  can  overstep. 
The  mightiest  are  checked  in  their  career  by  the  rul- 
ing hand  of  God.  He  has  struck  down  the  exalted,  and 
raised  up  the  humble.  Of  what  avail  were  the  mightiest 
fleets  that  ever  rode  the  waves?  Of  what  avail  were 
powerful  hosts  of  men?  Of  what  avail  were  the  cun- 
ning plans  of  leaders,  the  valor  of  the  commanders  ?  No 
one  is  mighty  before  the  Lord.  Wise  men  have  been  left 
to  sigh  in  dungeons,  yet  have  changed  the  destinies  of 
entire  continents.  He  has  saved  innocence  when  con- 
demned, and  drawn  the  secret  criminal  into  the  light  of 
day,  and  laid  bare  his  hidden  sufferings.  Often  one  hour, 
one  minute,  has  sufficed  to  bring  to  light  the  sins,  which 
have  been  committed  in  secret  by  evil-doers,  who  have 
long  succeeded  in  hiding  in  darkness  their  nefarious  acts. 


9 

That  which  is  culpable  can  never  escape  its  condemnation. 
To  every  secret  sinner  comes  the  day  of  judgment ;  and 
were  he  to  heap  mountains  on  the  evidences  of  his  mis- 
deeds, though  only  dark  night  or  silent  walls  or  solitary 
forests  were  the  witnesses  of  his  crime,  the  mountains  will 
be  disposed  like  dust  before  the  wind,  and  discover  what 
was  hidden  beneath  them  ;  the  stones  of  the  wall  will 
speak  and  reveal  his  guilt;  the  leaves  of  the  forest  will 
become  rustling  witnesses,  and  the  avenging  flash  of  light- 
ning will  descend  from  the  cloudless  sky. 

Recognize  the  ruling  hand  of  God.  Neither  in  heaven 
nor  on  earth  is  there  any  such  thing  as  the  rule  of  acci- 
dent ;  there  is  an  all-seeing,  wise,  loving  Power,  which 
guideth  all  things  to  good,  not  along  the  paths  of  chance, 
but  according  to  the  eternal  law  of  goodness. 

That  which  is  hidden  will  at  last  come  to  light ;  crime 
will  be  unmasked,  and  all  evil  will  meet  with  its  deserts. 
Only  that  which  is  good  in  itself  and  just  and  true  will 
eventually  conquer  and  prevail. 

Recognize  the  rule  of  God  in  all  thy  unfilled  wishes ; 
recognize  it  in  all  thy  hopes  fulfilled.  Even  -when  thy 
heart  bleeds  most  painfully,  even  when  the  most  sacred 
bonds  are  severed — even  then  it  is  God's  hand  that  ruleth 
for  thy  good. 

Weak,  sensuous  persons,  strongly  attached  to  what  is 
earthly,  are  fearful  of  the  future  because  they  have  set 
their  hearts  on  things  which  must  perish.  The  truly  God- 
fearing and  God-trusting,  on  the  contrary,  look  cheerfully 
toward  the  future.  Whatever  God  may  have  ordained, 
whether  it  be  war  or  peace,  riches  or  poverty,  joyful  asso- 
ciation with  our  beloved  or  the  death  of  the  latter,  storm 
or  sunshine,  he  knows  that  God  rules.  And  when  he  sees 
the  dark  thunder-cloud  rolling  toward  him,  it  is  God's  voice 
that  says  to  him,  Be  still,  and  know  that  I  am  God. 


10 

Why  then  should  I  fear,  0  Lord  ?  Give  or  take,  exalt 
me  or  abuse  me,  let  me  be  the  joy  of  my  friends  or  fall  the 
victim  of  mine  enemies,  I  accept  with  thankfulness  what- 
ever fate  may  befall  me.  I  am  trustful  and  joyful,  for  I 
know  that  Thou  art  God,  my  God,  for  ever ! 

RESPONSIVE    READINGS. 

V 

(To  be  read  alternately  by  the  Superintendent  and  the  School.} 
Superintendent  : 

They  that  fear  the  Lord  will  not  disobey  His  word  ; 
They  that  love  Him  will  strictly  keep  His  ways. 

School: 

He  searcheth  out  the  deep,  and  the  heart, 
And  considereth  their  subtle  plans. 

Say  not,  I  will  hide  myself  from  the  Lord, 
And  who  from  above  will  be  mindful  of  me  ? 

JV0  thought  escapeth  Him  ; 

And  not  one  word  is  hidden  from  Him. 

The  Lord  hateth  every  abomination, 
And  they  that  fear  Him  love  it  not. 

lie  has  given  unto  man  free  choice; 

And  to  act  with  fidelity  is  matter  of  liking. 

Before  man  is  life  and  death  ; 
Whichever  he  liketh  shall  be  given  him. 

His  eyes  are  upon  them  that  fear  Him, 
He  knoweth  every  work  of  man. 

He  commandeth  no  one  to  be  godless ; 
He  gave  not  one  license  to  sin. 

Marvel  not  at  the  works  of  a  sinner  ; 
Trust  in  the  Lord,  and  abide  in  thy  labor. 


11 


The  blessing  of  the  Lord  is  the  reward  of  the  godly ; 
In  a  swift  hour  He  maketh  His  blessing  flourish. 

Pronounce  none  blessed  before  his  death; 
By  his  children  will  a  man  be  known. 

Ben  Sirach,  ii.  xi.  xv.  xlii. 
HYMN. 

GOD'S   OMNISCIENCE. 

Psalm  cxxxix. 

0  Lord,  Thy  all-discerning  eyes 

My  inmost  purpose  see ; 
My  deeds,  my  words,  my  thoughts,  arise, 

Alike  disclosed  to  Thee  ! 
My  sitting  down,  my  rising  up, 
Broad  noon  and  deepest  night, 
My  path,  my  pillow,  and  my  cup 

Are  open  to  Thy  sight. 

Before,  behind,  I  meet  Thine  eye, 

And  feel  Thy  heavy  hand  ; 
Such  knowledge  is  for  me  too  high 

To  reach  or  understand  ; 
What  of  Thy  wonders  can  I  know? 

What  of  Thy  purpose  see  ? 
Where  from  Thy  Spirit  shall  I  go  ? 

Where  from  Thy  presence  flee  ? 

If  I  ascend  to  heaven  on  high, 

Or  make  my  bed  below, 
Or  take  the  morning's  wings  and  fly 

O'er  ocean's  ebb  and  flow, 
Or  seek  from  Thee  a  hiding-place 

Amid  the  gloom  of  night — 
Alike  to  Thee  are  time  and  space, 

The  darkness  and  the  light. 
(Turn  to  page  44.) 


12 


SERVICE    III. 


MEDITATION. 

(To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 
THE  BIBLE. 

THE  whole  civilized  world  bows  down  with  reverence 
before  the  book  of  all  books,  the  Bible.  It  is  read  in 
every  clime  and  zone  of  the  globe.  It  constitutes  the 
only  literature,  the  only  code  of  laws  and  ethics,  among 
many  peoples.  For  thousands  of  years  it  has  gone  hand 
in  hand  with  civilization,  has  led  the  way  toward  the 
moral  and  intellectual  development  of  humankind,  and, 
despite  the  hatred  of  its  enemies  and  the  still  more 
dangerous  misinterpretations  of  its  friends,  it  still  main- 
tains its  firm  hold  upon  the  hearts  and  minds  of  the 
people ;  its  power  for  kindling  a  love  of  right  and  duty, 
of  justice  and  morality,  within  the  hearts  of  men  is 
still  supreme.  Were  it  possible  to  annihilate  this  book, 
and  with  it  all  the  influences  it  has  exercised,  the  pillars 
upon  which  civilization  rests  would  be  knocked  away,  and 
we  would  deal  the  death-blow  to  our  morality,  to  our  do- 
mestic happiness,  to  all  we  value  highest  and  cherish  most. 

It  is  the  one  book  that  has  a  balm  for  every  wound,  a 
comfort  for  every  tear,  a  ray  of  light  for  every  darkness. 
Its  language  all  people  can  understand,  its  spirit  all  minds 
can  grasp,  its  moral  law  all  hearts  can  obey.  The  truths 
contained  in  it  appeal  not  only  to  the  humblest,  but  also 
to  the  highest  intellect. 


13 

There  never  was  found,  in  any  age  of  the  world's  his- 
tory, either  religion  or  law  that  so  highly  exalted  the  pub- 
lic good  as  have  those  of  the  Bible.  It  contains  more  true 
sublimity,  more  exquisite  beauty,  more  important  history, 
more  fine  strains  of  poetry  and  eloquence,  than  can  be  col- 
lected from  all  other  books,  in  whatever  age  or  language 
they  may  have  been  written. 

It  teaches  us  the  best  way  of  living,  the  noblest  way  of 
suffering,  and  the  serenest  way  of  dying.  It  is  welcomed 
equally  in  the  cottage  of  the  peasant  and  the  palace  of  the 
king.  The  bark  of  the  merchant  is  guided  by  it,  and  the 
discoverer  in  the  darkest  wilds  is  strengthened  by  it.  It 
directs  men's  conduct,  and  mingles  in  all  the  grief  and 
cheerfulness  of  life. 

Place  the  most  celebrated  systems  of  philosophy  or  the 
most  famous  codes  of  ethics  in  the  hands  of  the  masses, 
and  see  whether  the  subtlety  of  their  reasoning,  the  pro- 
fundity of  their  learning,  the  elegance  of  their  diction, 
will  touch  hearts  as  deeply  or  influence  lives  as  thoroughly 
as  does  the  Bible.  All  the  genius  and  learning  of  the  an- 
cient world,  all  the  penetration  of  the  profoundest  philos- 
ophers, have  never  been  able  to  produce  a  book  that  was 
as  widely  read,  as  numerously  translated,  as  voluminously 
commented  upon,  as  dearly  loved,  as  has  been  this  one  Book 
of  Israel ;  nor  have  all  the  lawgivers  of  all  lands  and  of 
all  ages  been  able  to  produce  a  code  of  laws  and  ethics 
that  was  as  universally  and  as  beneficially  followed  as  that 
of  the  Jewish  lawgiver  Moses. 

The  Bible  belongs  to  the  world.  It  has  outlived  all 
other  books  as  a  mighty  factor  in  civilization,  and  still 
stands  peerless  as  a  work  that  is  identified  with  the  pro- 
motion of  liberty,  that  is  the  companion  or  pioneer  of  com- 
merce, the  foundation  of  civil  government,  the  source  and 
support  of  learning. 


14 

There  is  not  in  the  whole  compass  of  human  literature 
another  book  which  deals  with  such  profound  topics, 
which  touches  human  nature  on  so  many  sides  of  ex- 
perience, which  relates  so  especially  to  duties  and  sorrows 
and  temptations,  and  yet  which  looks  over  the  whole  field 
of  life  with  such  sympathy  and  cheerfulness  of  spirit. 

Hold  fast  to  the  Bible  as  the  sheet-anchor  ®f  your  lib- 
erties. AVrite  its  precepts  on  your  hearts  and  practise  them 
in  your  lives.  To  the  influence  of  this  book  we  are  in- 
debted for  all  the  progress  in  true  civilization,  and  to  it 
we  must  look  as  our  guide  in  the  future. 

RESPONSIVE    READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

He  that  practises  the  Law 

Is  better  than  he  who  merely  studies  it. 

School: 

Guard  the  Scriptures  above  thy  life, 
For  it  alone  gives  peace  and  safety. 

The  Bible  speaks  in  the  language  of  man : 

As  many  as  are  the  verses,  are  the  interpretations. 

The  Bible  is  written  for  man, 
And  by  man  is  it  to  be  observed. 

Make  not  a  burden  of  the  study  of  the  Law : 

Let  it  teach  thee  the  performance  of  duty,  not  its  neglect. 

He  who  studies  the  Law  avoids  temptation, 
And  obtains  deliverance  from  sin. 

The  care  of  the  soul  is  the  life  of  man's  heart ; 
The  study  of  the  Law  is  the'  life  of  the  soul. 


15 

The  study  of  the  Scriptures  is  Letter  them  sacrifice , 
The  teaching  it  to  others  is  better  than  prayer. 

The  study  of  the  Scriptures  is  compared  to  fire : 
Unless  it  be  kept  alive,  virtue  will  become  extinct. 

The  study  of  the  Scriptures  is  compared  to  wood: 

As  one  piece  kindles  another,  so  one  student  inflames  of  hers. 

The  Scriptures  is  compared  to  water : 

It  descends  to  the  lowly  as  water  to  the  plains. 

The  Scriptures  is  compared  to  wine  and  milk  : 

These  are  kept  in  earthen  vessels,  the  Law  in  humble  hearts. 


Talmud. 


HYMN. 
THE  BIBLE. 

Here  is  the  spring  where  waters  flow 

To  quench  our  fire  of  sin ; 
Here  is  the  path  which  truth  doth  show 

To  all  who  walk  therein. 

Here  is  the  judge  that  stays  the  strife 

When  men's  devices  fail ; 
Here  is  the  bread  that  feeds  the  life 

Which  death  cannot  assail. 

The  tidings  of  a  brighter  sphere 
Come  to  our  ears  from  hence ; 

The  fortress  of  our  fate  is  here, 
The  shield  of  our  defence.  ^ 

(Turn  to  page  44.) 


16 


SERVICE    IV. 


MEDITATION. 

m 

( To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 
THE  SCHOOL   OF  ADVERSITY. 

AFFLICTION  is  a  stern  teacher,  but  the  best.  From  it 
alone  we  know  how  to  value  justly  things  below.  He 
who  wrestles  with  us  strengthens  our  nerves  and  increases 
our  skill.  Our  antagonist  is  our  helper.  He  that  has 
never  known  adversity  is  but  half  acquainted  with  others 
or  with  himself.  Constant  success  shows  us  but  one  side 
of  the  world,  for  it  surrounds  us  with  friends,  who  tell  us 
only  our  merits,  and  it  silences  enemies,  from  whom  alone 
we  can  learn  our  defects. 

Much  depends  upon  how  we  acquit  ourselves  under  our 
crushing  trials.  According  to  the  spirit  and  temper  with 
which  we  receive  them  will  be  the  help  given  and  the  ben- 
efit derived.  The  sharpest  sting  of  adversity  is  borrowed 
from  our  own  impatience.  He  that  can  heroically  endure 
adversity  will  bear  prosperity  with  equal  greatness  of 
soul,  for  the  mind  that  cannot  be  dejected  by  the  former 
is  not  likely  to  be  transported  with  the  latter.  Affliction 
is  the  wholesome  soil  of  virtue,  where  patience,  honor, 
sweet  humility,  and  calm  fortitude  take  root  and  flour- 
ish. There  are  chemical  solutions  that  deposit  their  pre- 
cipitates in  the  shade  and  stillness  of  night ;  so  in  the  dark 
hours  of  trouble  the  latent  virtues  of  noble  character  are 
developed. 

Trial  is  a  great  revealer ;  it  exhibits  the  real  worth  of 


17 

man.  No  man  is  truly  happy  who  has  never  felt  ad- 
versity's lash.  The  greatest  affliction  of  life  is  never 
to  be  afflicted.  Genuine  morality  is  preserved  only  in 
the  school  of  adversity ;  a  state  of  continuous  prosperity 
may  easily  prove  a  quicksand  to  virtue.  The  soul  that 
suffers  is  stronger  than  the  soul  that  rejoices.  No  man's 
character  is  truly  known  till  he  is  tried.  The  lance  of  af- 
fliction, when  it  probes  the  heart,  often  reveals  how  bad 
the  blood  is.  On  the  other  hand,  affliction  often  brings 
hidden  graces  to  light.  The  precious  diamond  must  be  cut 
in  order  to  show  its  lustre.  The  sweet  incense  must  be 
burned  in  order  to  exhale  its  fragrance.  Adversity  is  like 
the  periods  of  the  former  and  the  latter  rain — cold,  com- 
fortless, unfriendly,  yet  from  such  seasons  the  flower  and 
the  fruit  have  their  birth.  Stars  may  be  seen  from  the 
bottom  of  a  deep  well  when  they  cannot  be  discerned  from 
the  top  of  a  mountain.  So  in  adversity  are  learned  many 
things  which  the  prosperous  man  dreams  not  of.  We 
ought  as  fervently  to  pray  for  a  blessing  upon  our  daily 
rod  as  upon  our  daily  bread.  Adversity  has  the  effect  of 
eliciting  talents  which  prosperity  would  permit  to  lie  dor- 
mant. Prosperity  is  a  great  teacher ;  adversity  is  a  greater. 
Possession  pampers  the  mind ;  privation  trains  and  strength- 
ens it. 

A  smooth  sea  never  made  a  skilful  mariner ;  neither  do 
uninterrupted  prosperity  and  success  qualify  us  for  useful- 
ness and  happiness.  The  storms  of  adversity,  like  those 
of  the  ocean,  rouse  the  faculties — excite  the  invention, 
prudence,  skill,  and  fortitude  of  the  voyager.  The  mar- 
tyrs of  all  times,  in  bracing  their  minds  to  outward 
calamities,  acquired  a  loftiness  of  purpose  and  a  moral 
heroism  worth  a  lifetime  of  ease  and  security. 

It  is  not  the  so-called  blessings  of  life — its  sunshine  and 
calm,  its  comfort  and  ease — that  make  man,  but  its  rugged 


18 

experiences,  its  storms  and  tempests  and  trials.  Early  ad- 
versity is  often  a  blessing  in  disguise.  Wherever  souls  are 
being  tried,  there  God  is  hewing  out  the  pillars  for  His 
temple. 

RESPONSIVE    READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

In  prosperity  there  is  forgetfulness  of  adversity ; 
In  adversity  there  is  no  remembrance  of  prosperity. 

School : 

It  is  easy  for  the  Lord,  in  the  day  of  death, 
To  reward  a  man  according  to  his  ways. 

Prosperity  and  adversity,  life  and  death, 
Poverty  and  riches,  come  from  the  Lord. 

Many  an  one  is  in  need  of  help,  and  weak  in  strength, 
And  the  eyes  of  the  Lord  look  upon  him,  and  he  is  helped. 

In  great  wisdom  the  Lord  made  a  difference  among  men, 
And  made  their  lots  diverse. 

The  mercy  of  a  man  is  toward  his  neighbor, 
But  the  mercy  of  the  Lord  is  toward  all  Jlesh ; 

He  reproves,  and  disciplines,  and  teaches, 
And  brings  back,  as  a  shepherd  his  flock. 

Set  thy  heart  aright,  and  be  steadfast, 
And  despair  not  in  time  of  visitation, 

For  gold  is  tried  in  the  fire, 

And  acceptable  men  in  the  furnace  of  affliction. 

All  the  works  of  the  Lord  are  exceeding  good, 
And  every  command  shall  be  executed  in  its  season. 


19 


One  may  not  say,  What  is  this?  wherefore  is  that? 
For  in  due  time  shall  all  be  known. 

One  may  not  say,  What  is  this  ?  wherefore  is  that  f 
For  all  things  have  their  purpose. 

Ben  Sirach. 


HYMN. 
LEAD   ME  ARIGHT. 

I  do  not  ask,  0  Lord,  that  life  may  be 

A  pleasant  road ; 
I  do  not  ask  that  Thou  wouldst  take  from  me 

Aught  of  its  load. 

I  do  not  ask  that  flowers  should  always  spring 

Beneath  my  feet ; 
I  know  too  well  the  poison  and  the  sting 

Of  things  too  sweet. 

For  one  thing  only,  Lord,  our  God,  I  plead : 

Lead  me  aright, 
Tho'  strength  should  falter  and  tho'  heart  should  bleed, 

Through  peace  to  light. 

I  do  not  ask,  0  Lord,  that  Thou  shouldst  shed 

Full  radiance  here : 
Give  but  a  ray  of  peace,  that  I  may  tread 

Without  a  fear. 

I  do  not  ask  my  fate  to  understand, 

My  way  to  see  : 
Better  in  darkness  just  to  feel  Thy  hand, 

And  follow  Thee. 

(Turn  to  page  44.) 


20 


SERVICE    V. 


MEDITATION. 

(To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.} 
DUTY. 

As  a  result  of  his  nature,  man  is  hedged  about  on  all 
sides  with  obligations  and  responsibilities.  He  must  act, 
and  every  act  will  be  followed  by  some  result,  and  every 
result  will  in  some  way  affect  him.  Such  is  the  law  of 
his  nature.  If  he  refuses  to  act,  then  the  elements  of  his 
being  will  begin  to  decay.  Inaction  is  death.  Our  span 
of  life  was  lent  for  lofty  duties,  not  for  selfishness  ;  for  ser- 
vice to  mankind,  not  for  aimless  dreams.  There  is  not  a  mo- 
ment without  some  duty.  The  sense  of  duty  is  a  power  that 
rises  with  us  in  the  morning  and  goes  to  rest  with  us  at 
night.  It  is  co-extensive  with  the  action  of  our  intelli- 
gence. It  is  the  shadow  that  cleaves  to  us,  go  where 
we  will.  Nowhere  can  a  man  turn  to  escape  the  responsi- 
bility which  is  the  direct  outcome  of  his  nature.  We  do 
not  choose  our  own  parts  in  life.  Our  simple  duty  is  to 
do  our  parts  well. 

The  brave  man  wants  no  charm  to  allure  him  to  duty, 
and  the  good  man  scorns  all  warnings  that  would  deter 
him  from  it.  Do  to-day's  duty,  fight  to-day's  temptations, 
and  do  not  weaken  and  distract  yourself  by  looking  for- 
ward to  things  that  you  cannot  see,  and  could  not  under- 
stand if  you  saw  them.  The  best  things  are  nearest — 
light  in  your  eye,  flowers  at  your  feet,  duties  at  your 


21 

hand,  the  path  of  God  just  before  you.  Then  do  not 
grasp  at  the  stars,  but  do  life's  common  work  as  it  comes. 
Do  the  duty  that  lies  nearest  to  you.  You  are  apt  to  mis- 
take your  vocation  by  looking  out  of  the  way  for  occasions 
to  exercise  great  and  rare  virtues,  and  by  stepping  over 
the  ordinary  opportunities  that  lie  directly  in  the  road  be- 
fore you.  One's  vocation  is  never  some  far-off  possibility : 
it  is  always  the  simple  round  of  duties  which  the  passing 
hour  brings. 

Except  the  consciousness  of  disregarded  duty,  there  is 
no  evil  which  we  cannot  face  or  from  which  we  cannot  fly. 
Men  do  less  than  they  ought  unless  they  do  all  that  they  can. 
Every  duty  that  is  bidden  to  wait  hastens  forward  with 
fresh  duties  at  its  back.  If  we  are  faithful  to  the  duties  of 
the  present.  God  will  provide  for  the  future.  Human  exist- 
ence is  a  battle  in  which  there  can  be  no  retreat.  But  the 
enemy  has  never  yet  proven  invincible. 

He  is  a  true  man  who,  mindful  of  the  demands  of  duty, 
shapes  his  life  accordingly.  Duty  is  above  all  conse- 
quences, and  often,  at  a  crisis,  commands  us  to  throw 
them  overboard.  It  enjoins  us  to  look  neither  to  the  right 
nor  to  the  left,  but  straight  onward.  Every  act  of  duty  is 
an  act  of  faith.  It  is  performed  in  the  assurance  that 
God  will  take  care  of  the  consequences,  and  will  so  order 
the  course  of  the  world  that,  whatever  the  immediate  re- 
sults may  be,  good,  will  be  the  final  reward. 

Be  not  diverted  from  your  duty  by  any  idle  reflections 
which  the  thoughtless  may  cast  upon  you,  for  their 
censures  are  not  in  your  power,  and  should  not  be  your 
concern.  He  who  escapes  a  duty  misses  a  gain.  Do 
the  duty,  do  right,  and  God's  recompense  to  you  will  be 
the  power  of  doing  more  right.  Let  us  do  our  duty  in 
the  shops  or  in  the  street,  in  the  kitchen  or  in  the  school, 
at  the  home  or  on  the  farm,  just  as  faithfully  as  if  we 


22 

stood  in  the  front  rank  of  some  great  battle,  and  knew 
that  victory  for  mankind  depended  on  our  bravery, 
strength,  and  skill.  When  we  do  this  the  humblest  of 
us  will  be  serving  in  that  great  army  which  achieves  the 
welfare  of  the  world.  Reverence  the  highest ;  have 
patience  with  the  lowest ;  let  each  day's  performance  of 
even  the  meanest  duty  be  thy  religion. 

RESPONSIVE  READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

If  thou  hast  a  duty  to  perform, 
Do  it,  whether  it  be  great  or  little. 

School : 

Every  good  deed  awaJcens  one  better, 

As  every  evil  calls  forth  another  still  more  evil. 

The  discharge  of  a  duty  is  more  praiseworthy 
Than  the  performance  of  a  voluntary  good  deed. 

It  matters  not  whether  thou  doest  much  or  little 
As  long  as  thou  doest  it  in  the  name  of  God. 

Though  thou  canst  not  perform  all  thy  duties, 
Thou  art  not  free  from  doing  all  .thou  canst. 

Prayer  is  preferable  to  sacrifices. 
And  good  deed  is  preferable  to  Loth. 

If  thou  hast  taken  upon  thyself  a  duty, 
Thou  art  no  longer  free  to  waver. 

What  is  commanded  thee,  thinlc  thereon; 
For  thou  hast  no  need  of  what  is  concealed. 

Fail  not  to  be  with  them  that  weep, 
And  mourn  with  them  that  mourn. 


23 

In  discharging  thy  duties  to  God  and  man 
Forget  not  those  thou  owest  to  thyself. 

God  asks  such  deeds  of  man  as  are  in  the  power  of  man, 
Not  such  as  are  in  the  power  of  God. 

Bt '  jiot  rash  in  undertaking  the  task, 

But  be  swift-footed  ichen  once  it  is  entered  upon. 

Talmud.— Ben  Sirach. 

HYMN. 

PRESENT  DUTY. 
Look  around  thee  !     Say  how  long 
Shall  the  earth  be  ruled  by  wrong. 
When  shall  error  flee  away, 
And  this  darkness  turn  to  day? 

When  will  evil  from  the  soul 
Render  back  its  dread  control  ? 
When  shall  all  men  duty  see, 
And  the  world  be  pure  and  free  ? 

Rouse  thee  from  the  mental  strife ; 
Gird  thee  for  the  task  of  life ! 
With  the  sword  and  with  the  shield, 
Forward  to  the  battle-field  ! 

"  On  !"  a  thousand  voices  cry 
Through  the  earth  and  from  the  sky  ; 

"  Up  !     Heaven's  light  is  on  thy  brow ! 
Let  thy  work  be  here  and  now  !" 
(Turn  to  page  44.) 


24 


SERVICE    VI. 


MEDITATION. 

( To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent) 
DIVINE  MIND  IN  THE  WORLD  OF  MATTER. 
EVERYWHERE  in  the  world  of  matter  we  perceive  intel- 
ligence— a  something  which  knows  and  wills.  It  is  not 
brute  force  acting  without  knowledge  and  will,  but  an 
intelligent  power  working  by  means  well  understood,  and 
continually  directed  to  certain  ends.  This  intelligence 
displays  Supreme  Mind.  The  evidences  of  this  mind  are 
to  be  seen  on  every  hand.  We  see  them  in  the  structural 
plan  of  the  whole  solar  system,  for  each  star  moves  in 
its  prescribed  orbit,  rushes  along  with  breathless  speed 
among  a  world  of  worlds,  yet  never  clashes,  never  inter- 
feres with  the  others.  The  evidences  of  Divine  Mind 
are  seen  also  in  the  structure  of  the  earth,  in  its  compli- 
cated form,  in  the  arrangement  of  its  great  divisions  of 
matter,  and  in  the  fitness  of  each  for  its  special  function. 
And  we  see  the  same  power  of  mind  in  the  formation  of 
the  crystal,  in  the  growth  of  plants,  and  in  the  insects 
which  live  on  them.  Study  the  leaf  of  a  tree.  What 
wisdom  is  displayed  in  its  structure !  How  admirable  its 
architecture !  What  perfect  framework,  what  exquisite 
finish  !  How  intelligibly  are  the  elements  combined  in 
its  composition  !  How  the  power  of  vegetation  assimi- 
lates tha  particles  of  earth,  air,  and  water  whereby  the  plant 
grows  f  Look  at  the  insect  which  has  its  world  on  the 
little  leaf.  See  with  what  intelligence  this  minute  creat- 


25 

nre  has  been  fashioned !  What  organs  satisfy  its  in- 
dividual wants  !  How  wonderful  the  means  which  com- 
bine to  form  the  insect  life  !  How  admirable  the  consti- 
tution which  gives  unity  of  action  to  all  its  members,  and 
individual  freedom  to  each  ! 

Turn  over  the  great  volume  bound  in  stone,  study 
through  this  oldest  testament  of  ages  past,  and  in  every 
page,  in  every  line,  in  every  letter,  you  will  find  the  same 
mind,  the  same  power,  the  same  will.  And  that  power 
is  constant  in  all  time  of  which  this  great  earthen  book 
keeps  record,  and  is  continuous  in  all  space  whereof  its 
annals  tell.  The  more  things  are  studied,  the  vaster 
appears  this  mind  in  its  far-reaching  sweep  of  time 
and  space ;  the  more  minutely  things  are  examined,  the 
more  delicate  appears  its  action.  The  solar  system  is 
not  too  large  for  it  to  grasp  and  hold,  nor  the  eye 
of  an  insect  too  small  for  it  to  model  and  execute. 
The  whole  universe  of  matter  is  a  mundane  psalm  to  cel- 
ebrate the  reign  of  Power,  Law,  Mind.  Fly  through  solar 
systems  from  the  remotest  planet  to  the  sun — power,  law, 
mind,  attend  your  every  step.  Study  each  planet — it  is 
still  the  same :  power,  law,  mind.  Ask  every  leaf ;  ask 
the  insect  that  feeds  thereon ;  ask  the  petrified  remains  of 
creatures  that  lived  millions  of  years  before  man  trod  the 
globe, — they  all,  with  united  voice,  answer  still  the  same  : 
power,  law,  mind.  In  all  the  space  from  Neptune  to  the 
sun,  in  all  the  time  from  the  day  of  creation  unto  the  pres- 
ent moment,  there  is  no  failure  of  that  power,  no  break 
of  that  law,  no  single  error  of  that  mind.  Thus  the  whole 
world  is  witness  to  continual  force,  to  never-failing  law,  to 
ever-present  mind ;  is  witness  to  that  eternal  Power  which 
men  call  God.  On  this  world  about  us  He  has  inscribed 
His  thought  in  those  marvellous  hieroglyphics  which  the 
senses  and  the  sciences  have  been  these  many  thousand 


26 

years  seeking  to  understand.  Every  rose  is  an  autograph 
from  the  hand  of  God.  The  universe  itself  is  the  scripture 
of  the  Almighty. 

RESPONSIVE  READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.') 
Superintendent : 

All  wisdom  cometh  from  the  Lord, 
And  is  with  Him  for  ever. 

School: 

Who  can  number  the  sands  of  the  sea,  the  drops  of  the  rain. 
And  the  days  of  eternity? 

Who  can  tell  the  measure  of  the  world, 
And  the  depth  of  God's  wisdom  ? 

To  whom  was  the  root  of  wisdom  revealed  f 
And  who  knew  her  subtile  plans? 

The  universe  was  known  to  Him  before  it  was  made : 
So  also  after  it  was  completed. 

To  none  gave  He  power  to  make  known  fully  His  works  ; 
And  who  will  trace  cut  His  mighty  acts  f 

Who  will  measure  the  strength  of  His  majesty  ? 
And  who  will  set  forth  His  mercies  ? 

One  cannot  take  from  or  add  to, 

Neither  can  he  trace  out  the  wonderful  things  of  the  Lord. 

The  sun  that  giveth  light  looketh  down  upon  all  things; 
And  the  work  thereof  is  full  of  the  glory  of  the  Lord. 

Oh,  how  beautiful  are  all  His  works  ! 
They  are  as  /lowers  to  look  iipon. 

The  sun  when  it  appeareth  proclaimeth  Him  ; 
Its  rising  a  marvellous  work  of  the  Most  High. 


27 


We  may  speak  much,  and  reach  Him  not ; 
And  to  sum  up.  He  is  All. 

HYMN. 
GOODNESS   OF  GOD. 

God,  thou  art  good  !  each  perfumed  flower, 
The  waving  field,  the  dark  green  wood, 

The  insect  fluttering  for  an  hour. — 
All  things  proclaim  that  God  is  good. 

Each  little  rill,  that  many  a  year 
Has  the  same  verdant  path  pursued, 

And  every  bird,  in  accents  clear, 
Joins  in  the  song  that  God  is  good. 

The  restless  sea,  with  haughty  roar, 

Calms  each  wild  wave  and  billows  rude, 

Retreats  submissive  from  the  shore, 
And  swells  the  chorus,  "  God  is  good." 

The  countless  hosts  of  twinkling  stars 
That  sing  His  praise  with  light  renewed ; 

The  rising  sun  each  day  declares, 
In  rays  of  glory,  u  God  is  good." 

The  moon,  that  walks  in  brightness,  says 
That  God  is  good  ;  and  man,  endued 

With  power  to  speak  his  Maker's  praise, 
Should  still  repeat  that  God  is  good. 

(Turn  to  page  44.) 


Ben  Sirach. 


28 


SERVICE    VII 


MEDITATION. 

( To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 
EDUCATION. 

EDUCATION  leads  the  human  mind  and  soul  to  what  is 
right  and  best.  It  awakens  a  love  for  truth,  giving  a  just 
sense  of  duty,  opening  the  eyes  of  the  soul  to  the  great 
purpose  and  end  of  life.  It  is  not  so  much  giving  words 
as  thoughts,  not  so  much  mere  maxims  as  living  prin- 
ciples. It  is  teaching  the  individual  to  love  the  good  for 
the  sake  of  the  good ;  to  love  and  serve  God  not  from 
fear,  but  from  delight  in  His  perfect  character.  It 
should  be  the  aim  of  education  to  regard  mere  learning 
as  subordinate  to  the  development  of  a  strong  and  well- 
rounded  moral  character. 

It  is  not  through  books  alone,  or  chiefly,  that  one  be- 
comes in  all  points  a  man.  Study  to  do  faithfully  every 
duty  that  comes  in  your  way.  Stand  to  your  post;  silently 
endure  the  disappointments  of  life ;  love  justice ;  control 
self;  swerve  not  from  truth  or  right;  be  one  that  fears  and 
obeys  God  and  exercises  benevolence  toward  men — and  in 
all  this  you  shall  possess  true  manliness.  Not  how  much 
a  man  knows,  but  what  use  he  makes  of  what  he  knows ; 
not  what  he  has  acquired  and  how  he  has  been  trained, 
but  what  he  is  and  what  he  can  do  determines  the  worth 
of  the  man. 

It  makes  little  difference  what  the  trade  or  business  or 
branch  of  learning — the  educated  is  always  superior  to  the 


29 

untaught  man.  One  who  is  in  the  habit  of  applying  his 
powers  in  the  right  way  will  carry  system  into  any  occu- 
pation, and  it  will  help  him  as  much  to  handle  a  tool  as 
to  write  a  poem.  Education  is  a  companion  which  no 
misfortune  can  estrange,  no  enemy  alienate,  no  despotism 
enslave — at  home  a  friend,  abroad  an  introduction,  in  soli- 
tude a  solace,  in  society  an  ornament. 

Work  upon  marble,  the  inscription  will  perish  ;  on  brass, 
time  will  efface  it;  if  we  rear  temples,  they  will  crumble 
into  dust ;  but  if  we  work  upon  immortal  mind,  and  im- 
bue it  with  principles,  with  the  just  fear  of  God,  and 
the  love  of  our  fellow-men,  we  engrave  on  its  tablets 
something  that  will  brighten  to  all  eternity.  What  a 
grand  and  noble  satisfaction  is  the  delight  of  intellectual 
power,  of  thought,  of  reflection,  of  imagination  !  It  is  a 
sublime  pleasure  to  read  the  great  book  of  nature,  the 
oldest  testament  of  God,  written  not  on  two  but  on 
millions  of  tablets  of  stone,  all  illuminated  with  those 
fires  that  burn  night  after  night  through  the  world ; 
to  know  the  curious  economy  whereby  a  rose  grows 
out  of  the  dark  ground  and  is  beautiful  and  fragrant ; 
to  learn  the  curious  chemistry  whereby  nature  produces 
green  and  golden  ornaments.  What  a  glorious  thing  it 
is  to  understand  man,  the  wonderful  structure  of  his 
body  and  the  marvellous  mechanism  of  his  mind ! 

The  man  of  letters  has  the  sublime  joy  of  welcoming 
the  incoming  of  new  thought.  How  great  are  the  delights 
of  science  to  the  naturalist,  the  astronomer,  the  geologist ! 
What  a  joy  there  is  in  a  good  book  written  by  some  great 
master  of  thought  who  bursts  into  beauty  as  in  summer 
the  meadow  bursts  into  grass  and  flowers !  As  an  amuse- 
ment, that  of  reading  is  worth  all  the  rest.  What  pleasure 
in  science,  literature,  and  art  for  any  man  who  will  but 
open  his  eyes  and  his  heart  to  enjoy  it !  With  what  de- 


30 

light  does  an  audience  listen  to  some  great  orator  who 
looks  into  their  faces  and  speaks  into  their  hearts — who 
so  brightens  and  warms  his  audience  that  every  manly  and 
womanly  excellence  in  them  will  bud  and  blossom  with 
beauty  and  fragrance,  in  due  time  to  bear  most  luscious 
fruit ! 


RESPONSIVE  READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

When  fear  of  sin  is  greater  than  wisdom, 
Then  wisdom  will  endure. 

School: 

When  good  deeds  are  greater  than  knowledge, 
Then  knowledge  will  remain. 

Wisdom  is  a  tree  that  grows  in  the  heart, 
And  its  fruit  is  in  the  tongue. 

Silence  is  the  first  sign  of  wisdom,  and  listening  the  second; 
Comprehension  is  the  third,  and  acting  the  fourth. 

The  end  of  wisdom  is  good  conduct, 
And  there  is  no  piety  like  reverence. 

Study  not  for  the  sake  of  gain  or  name  : 

Wisdom  is  to  do  justly,  to  think  nobly,  and  to  love  purely 

The  greatest  wisdom  is  to  know  thyself ; 
Let  thy  tongue  learn  to  say :  I  do  not  know. 

All  wisdom  is  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 

And  in  all  wisdom  is  the  keeping  of  the  law. 

The  knowledge  of  evil  is  not  wisdom ; 
The  counsel  of  sinners  is  not  prudence. 


31 

TJiere  is  a  cleverness,  and  it  is  an  abomination; 

And  there  is  a  simplicity,  and  yet  pleasing  to  the  Lord. 

Better  to  be  weak  in  insight,  yet  God-fearing, 
Than  to  abound  in  prudence  and  transgress  the  law. 

There  is  nothing  better  than  the  fear  of  the  Lord, 
And  nothing  wiser  than  to  heed  His  commandments. 

Talmud.— Ben  Sirach.— Mediaeval  Rubbis. 

HYMN. 
THE  MIND  HAS  NO  TO-DAY. 

The  mind  has  no  to-day  !     The  present  things 
Are  for  the  senses,  never  for  the  soul ; 

Backward  or  forward,  on  its  restless  wings, 
It  flits  for  ever,  yet  without  a  goal, 

Like  one  that's  bent  on  seeking  out  the  lore 
Of  things  to  come  in  things  that  were  before, 

Stealing  the  taper  from  the  old  world's  tomb 
To  light  it  through  the  future's  deeper  gloom. 

It  is  the  hidden  principle  of  soul, 

Which  will  not  sleep  amid  a  noon  of  light, 

Which  ponders  still  upon  a  doubtful  scroll. 
And  spurns  the  lessons  that  are  read  at  sight ; 

Which,  more  than  present  waters,  loves  to  hear 
The  music  of  an  unseen  fountain  play, 

And,  better  than  the  trumpet  that  is  near, 
The  echo  of  a  trumpet  far  away. 

(Turn  to  page  44.) 


32 


SERVICE    VIII. 


MEDITATION. 

( To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 
THE  WORTH  OF  A  GOOD  NAME. 

THE  two  most  precious  things  this  side  the  grave  are 
reputation  and  life.  Regard  your  name  as  the  richest 
jewel  you  can  possess.  Reputation  is  like  fire:  when 
once  you  have  kindled  it,  you  may  easily  preserve  it,  but 
once  extinguished,  it  will  be  an  arduous  task  to  rekindle  it. 

The  slanderer  and  the  assassin  differ  only  in  the  weapons 
they  use  :  with  the  one  it  is  the  dagger,  with  the  other  the 
tongue.  The  latter  is  worse  than  the  former,  for  the  one 
kills  the  body,  while  the  other  murders  the  reputation 
and  peace. 

If  slander  be  a  snake,  it  is  a  winged  one.  It  flies  as 
well  as  creeps.  There  is  nothing  which  wings  its  flight  as 
swiftly  as  calumny.  Nothing  is  listened  to  with  more 
readiness,  or  dispersed  more  widely.  What  enemy  mightier 
than  slander !  What  poison  more  fatal !  What  weapon 
sharper  !-  The  slanderer  whispers  but  a  word  or  two,  utters 
a  monosyllable,  points  his  finger,  shrugs  his  shoulder, 
raises  his  eyebrow,  and  a  fair  name  is  sullied,  a  happy 
home  is  blasted.  One's  good  name  gone,  and  all  is  gone. 
Other  losses  may  be  restored,  but  the  name  that  has 
become  slander's  prey  can  never  be  wholly  recovered. 
We  may  deny  and  defend,  and  prove  the  slander  a  base  in- 
vention, but  the  report  that  has  once  gone  abroad  is 


33 

beyond  recall.  Of  the  hundred  that  have  heard  the 
slander,  ten  may  hear  the  denial,  and  five  of  these  may 
believe  it.  The  foul  finger-marks  will  remain.  The  scar 
which  the  serpent's  tooth  has  left  will  abide  for  ever.  The 
shaken  confidence,  the  broken  union,  though  restored,  will 
fur  ever  show  the  signs  of  mending.  Suspicion  will  linger, 
and  will  grow  again  into  slander  when  its  victim  is  in  the 
grave,  and  no  longer  able  to  defend  himself. 

Believe  nothing  against  another  but  on  good  authority ; 
report  nothing  that  may  hurt  any  one  unless  it  be  a 
greater  hurt  to  others  to  conceal  it.  The  worthiest 
people  are  the  most  injured  by  slander,  just  as  the  best 
fruit  is  most  pecked  at  by  birds.  The  slanderer  inflicts 
wrong  by  calumniating  the  absent,  and  he  who  gives  credit 
to  the  calumny  is  equally  guilty.  Next  to  the  slanderer 
we  detest  most  him  who  bears  the  slander  to  our  ears. 
Listen  not  to  the  talebearer,  for  he  tells  you  nothing 
out  of  good  will. 

Close  your  ears  against  him  that  shall  open  his  mouth 
against  another.  If  you  receive  not  his  words,  they  fly 
baefc  and  wound  him  who  speaks  them.  If  you  receive 
them,  they  fly  forward  and  wound  him  who  lends  ear  to 
them. 

Close  your  ears  to  slander,  and  you  will  soon  close  the 
slanderer's  mouth.  Bar  your  doors  against  it,  and  it  will 
soon  starve  and  freeze  to  death  upon  the  street.  Even 
though  you  be  free  from  the  sin  of  slander,  if  you  listen 
to  it  and  repeat  it  to  others,  you  are  as  guilty  as  the 
slanderer.  Your  credulity  encourages  him  to  murder  other 
innocent  names,  and  your  aid  thus  makes  you  an  accessory 
to  his  crime.  If  you  wish  to  preserve  the  honor  of  your 
name,  you  must  sacredly  guard  that  of  others.  If  you 
wish  to  be  fairly  dealt  with  by  others,  even  so  must  you 
deal  with  them. 


34 

Only  by  leniently  judging  the  failings  of  others,  by 
making  just  allowances,  by  carefully  concealing  another's 
shame  with  one  hand  while  trying  to  correct  it  with  the 
other,  can  you  fairly  expect  similar  treatment.  The  world 
is  a  faithful  looking-glass;  as  you  look  at  it,  it  looks  back 
at  you. 

So  live  that  a  blameless  life  may  be  your  answer  to 
slander's  tongue.  So  live  that  noble  deed  may  give  the 
lie  to  the  calumniator's  detraction.  So  live  that  the  tra- 
ducer's  persecutions,  instead  of  disheartening,  shall  in- 
spire you  with  the  sense  of  your  worth.  So  live  that 
even  though  the  world  deny  you  justice,  your  own  con- 
science may  approve  your  purpose  as  holy,  your  character 
as  spotless,  your  name  as  unstained. 

RESPONSIVE  READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

Be  ruler  over  thy  speech  by  keeping  silence, 
And  this  shall  give  thee  control  over  thy  words. 

School: 

Withdraw  thy  eye  from  the  blemish  of  thy  neighbor  ; 
But  know  thine  own  fault,  and  mend  thy  way. 

Deliver  thy  tongue  from  speaking  falsehood : 
Who  speaketh  it  will  be  spoken  against. 

Speakers  of  falsehoods  are  despised  by  all ; 

But  honored  in  the  sight  of  man  are  the  faithful. 

The  blemishes  of  another  discover  to  no  man, 
And  go  not  about  as  a  talebearer  and  slanderer. 

Bridle  thy  tongue  and  muzzle  thy  mouth, 

And  thine  and  thy  neighbor  s  honor  will  be  safe. 


35 

Whosoever  findeth  fault  with  people  undeservedly, 
Will  be  found  fault  with  deservedly. 

Question  thy  friend  :  he  may  not  have  sinned  ; 

And  if  he  did,  that  he  do  so  no  more. 

Question  thy  neighbor  :  he  may  not  have  slandered  ; 

And  if  he  did,  that  he  may  not  do  so  again. 

Question  a  friend  :  for  many  a  time  it  is  a  slander  ; 

And  believe  not  every  report. 

Who  slippeth  with  his  tongue  and  meaneth  naught, 

He  hath  not  sinned  against  his  fellow-men. 

Question  thy  neighbor  before  thou  threatenest, 

And  give  place  to  the  law  of  the  Most  High. 

Ben  Sirach.—  Mediaeval  Rabbis. 

FAITH  IN  ONE  ANOTHER. 
Cherish  faith  in  one  another 

When  you  meet  in  friendship's  name  ; 
In  the  true  friend  is  a  brother, 

And  his  heart  should  throb  the  same. 

Oh,  have  faith  in  one  another 

When  you  speak  a  brother's  vow  ; 

It  may  not  be  always  summer  — 
Not  be  always  bright  as  now. 


a^  have  faith  in  one  another, 
And  let  honor  be  your  guide  ; 
Let  the  truth  alone  be  spoken, 
Whatsoever  may  betide. 

Tho'  the  false  may  reign  a  season  — 
And  doubt  not  it  sometimes  will  — 

Yet  have  faith  in  one  another, 

And  the  truth  shall  triumph  still. 
(Turn  to  page  44.) 


36 


SERVICE    IX. 


MEDITATION. 

(To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 
INDUSTRY. 

Two  men  deserve  to  be  honored,  and  no  third.  First, 
the  toil-worn  craftsman  who  with  earth-made  implements 
laboriously  conquers  the  earth  and  makes  her  man's  vas- 
sal. Venerable  is  the  hard  hand,  but  therein,  notwith- 
standing, lies  a  cunning  virtue,  indefeasibly  royal.  Ven- 
erable, too,  is  the  rugged  face,  all  weather-tanned,  with 
its  rude  intelligence,  for  it  is  the  face  of  a  man  living 
man-like.  Oh,  thou  son  of  hardy  toil,  for  us  was  thy 
back  so  bent,  for  us  were  thy  straight  limbs  and  fingers 
so  deformed.  Thou  wert  our  conscript  on  whom  the  lot 
fell,  and  fighting  our  battles  wert  thou  so  marred.  For 
in  thee,  too,  lay  a  God-created  form,  but  it  was  not  to 
be  unfolded ;  encrusted  with  the  thick  adhesions  and 
defacements  of  labor  must  it  stand.  And  .thy  body, 
like  thy  soul,  was  not  to  know  freedom.  Yet  toil  on  ; 
thou  art  in  thy  duty,  be  out  of  it  who  may ;  thou  toil- 
est  for  the  indispensable — for  daily  bread. 

The  second  man  deserving  honor,  and  still  more  highly, 
is  he  who  toils  for  the  spiritually  indispensable — not  daily 
bread,  but  the  bread  of  life.  Is  not  he,  too,  in  his  duty, 
endeavoring  toward  inward  harmony,  revealing  this,  by  act 
or  by  word,  through  his  outward  endeavors,  be  they  high 
or  low  ?  Highest  of  all  it  is  to  be  an  artist ;  not  earthly 


37 

craftsman  only,  but  inspired  thinker,  who,  with  heaven* 
made  implement,  conquers  heaven  for  us !  If  the  poor 
and  humble  toil  that  we  have  food,  must  not  the  high  and 
glorious  toil  for  him  in  return,  that  he  have  light,  have 
guidance,  freedom,  and  immortality  ?  These  two,  in  all 
their  degrees,  are  to  be  honored ;  all  else  is  chaff  and  dust, 
which  let  the  wind  blow  whither  it  listeth. 

Unspeakably  touching  is  it,  however,  when  we  find  both 
dignities  united,  and  he  that  must  toil  outwardly  for  the 
lowest  of  man's  wants  is  also  toiling  inwardly  for  the 
highest.  Sublimest  of  all  God's  beings  is  a  peasant  sage. 
Such  a  one  will  lift  you  to  heaven  itself. 

Industry  is  not  only  the  means  of  support,  but  also 
the  foundation  of  pleasure.  He  who  is  a  stranger  to 
it  may  possess,  but  cannot  enjoy,  for  it  is  labor  only 
which  gives  relish  to  possession.  It  is  the  indispensable 
condition  of  possessing  a  sound  mind  in  a  sound  body, 
and  is  the  appointed  vehicle  of  every  good  to  man.  In- 
dustry keeps  the  purse  full,  the  body  healthy,  the  mind 
clear,  and  the  heart  whole. 

Labor  is  rest  from  the  sorrows  that  greet  us,  from  all 
the  petty  vexations  that  meet  us,  from  the  sin-promptings 
that  assail  us,  from  the  world-sirens  that  lure  us  to  ill. 
There  is  a  perennial  nobleness,  and  even  sacredness,  in 
work.  .  Be  he  ever  so  benighted,  there  is  always  hope  in 
a  man  who  actually  and  earnestly  works.  Nature  is  just 
toward  men.  It  recompenses  them  for  their  sufferings. 
To  the  greatest  toils  it  attaches  the  greatest  rewards.  If 
you  have  great  talents,  industry  will  give  them  scope ;  if 
moderate  abilities,  industry  will  improve  them.  Nothing 
is  denied  to  well-directed  labor ;  nothing  is  ever  to  be  ob- 
tained without  it.  It  is  to  labor,  and  to  labor  only,  that 
man  owes  everything  of  value.  Labor  is  the  talisman 
that  has  raised  him  from  the  condition  of  the  savage,  that 


38 

has  changed  the  desert  and  the  forest  into  cultivated  fields; 
that  has  covered  the  earth  with  cities  and  the  oceans  with 
ships ;  that  has  given  us  plenty,  comfort,  and  elegance  in 
place  of  want,  misery,  and  barbarism. 

RESPONSIVE   READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 
Superintendent : 

Honor  the  laborer,  for  he  betters  the  earth, 
And  increases  the  joys  of  the  children  of  men. 

School : 

Great  is  labor,  for  it  honors  the  laborer  ; 

Great  is  labor,  for  it  employs  the  hand  and  feeds  the  body. 

Famine  may  rage,  and  yet  not  enter  the  laborer's  house : 
The  industrious  erect  a  bar  against  want. 

To  supply  one's  self  ivith  the  necessaries  of  life 
Is  as  great  a  deed  as  the  dividing  of  the  Red  Sea. 

Industry  is  preferable  to  inactive  piety  : 
Scholarship  without  a  trade  does  not  profit. 

Rather  the  lowest  vocation  even  in  a  public  place 
Than  through  idleness  to  depend  on  charity. 

Hunger  never  crosses  the  threshold  of  the  diligent; 
But  the  indolent  languishes  for  want  of  food. 

Idleness  is  the  root  of  vice; 

Labor  is  a  shield  against  temptation. 

He  who  raises  a  child  without  teaching  him  a  trade 
Is  like  a  father  who  trains  his  child  to  be  a  thief. 

Let  no  honest  calling  be  deemed  low  in  thine  eyes : 
The  world  needs  both  the  low  and  the  high. 


39 

Industry  is  the  mate  of  study ; 

The  latter  confers  knowledge  ;  the  former,  power. 

See  first  to  thy  trade,  then  to  thy  study  ; 
Happy  the  man  that  can  see  to  both. 


Talmud. 


HYMN. 
HEADS,  HEARTS,  AND   HANDS. 

Heads  that  think  and  hearts  that  feel, 
Hands  that  turn  the  busy  wheel. 
Make  our  life  worth  living  here, 
Round  it  out  with  joy  and  cheer. 
Heads  to  plan  what  hearts  shall  do, 
Hearts  to  bear  us  bravely  through — 
Thinking  head  and  toiling  hand 
Are  the  masters  of  the  land. 

When  a  thought  becomes  a  thing, 

Busy  hands  make  hammers  ring 
Until  honest  work  has  wrought 
Into  shape  the  thinker's  thought, 

Lifting  men  to  loftier  height, 

Filling  all  the  age  with  light, 

Spreading  truth  and  rousing  thought, 
Loving  God  and  fearing  naught. 

Hail  to  honest  hearts  and  hands, 
And  to  the  head  that  understands — 
Hands  that  never  touched  a  bribe. 
Hands  that  dare  to  truth  subscribe ; 
Hearts  that  hate  a  deed  unjust, 
Hearts  that  other  hearts  can  trust ; 
Heads  that  plan  for  others'  weal, 
Heads  that  rule  o'er  hearts  that  feel. 
(Turn  to  page  44.) 


40 


SERVICE    X. 


MEDITATION. 

( To  be  read  with  or  without  comments  by  Superintendent.) 

BETTER    FAILURE   IN  RIGHT    THAN  SUCCESS   IN 
WRONG. 

AMBITION  is  the  salt  that  preserves  the  mind  from  stag- 
nation and  the  body  from  decay.  It  is  the  spur  that  makes 
man  struggle  with  destiny.  It  is  Heaven's  own-  incentive 
to  make  purpose  great  and  achievement  greater.  But  for 
it  our  greatest  powers  would  never  come  to  light,  our 
noblest  faculties  would  rust  unused.  It  is  the  baton  that 
holds  our  best  energies  harmoniously  together  and  starts 
them  off  in  rhythmic  motion.  It  is  the  lash  that  drives  our 
blood  into  healthful  flow  and  our  mind  into  useful  activity. 
It  is  the  source  of  all  that  the  mind  values  highest  and  all 
that  the  heart  cherishes  most.  It  has  laid  the  foundation  of 
the  first  place  of  worship  and  the  corner-stone  of  the  first 
school,  and  there  has  not  been  a  church  or  school  since 
that  owed  not  its  existence  to  it.  It  has  steeled  the 
arm  of  the  first  warrior,  and  has  made  the  brave  soldier 
laugh  at  danger  ever  since.  It  has  guided  the  pen  of  the 
first  writer,  and  of  every  writer  since.  It  has  inspired 
the  mind  of  the  first  reformer,  lawgiver,  discoverer,  in- 
ventor, and  of  all  their  countless  successors.  It  has 
taken  the  first  ship  across  the  ocean,  and  the  first  loco- 
motive across  the  land ;  sunk  the  first  shaft  into  the  earth, 
stretched  the  first  telegraph  over  the  continents,  laid  the 


41 

first  cable  under  the  seas.  It  has  started  more  enter- 
prises than  mind  has  knowledge  of,  and  has  brought  more 
blessings  into  the  world  than  man  can  count.  For  all  the 
comforts  of  life  we  are  indebted  to  it.  It  has  lightened 
our  burdens  and  heightened  our  joys.  It  has  widened  our 
horizon  and  deepened  our  knowledge. 

But  on  ambition's  wings  great  minds  are  sometimes 
carried  to  extremes — either  to  soar  to  fatal  heights,  or  to 
drop  into  the  abyss  of  ignominy.  Unless  you  maintain 
your  mastery  over  your  ambition,  it  will  make  a  slave  of 
you.  Keep  it  well  in  hand.  Learn  to  discriminate  be- 
tween noble  ambition  and  evil  covetousness.  A  wide 
chasm  separates  the  two.  On  the  one  side  is  honor, 
right,  emulation,  blessing;  on  the  other  side  is  shame, 
wrong,  avarice,  crime. 

There  are  as  many  good  things  yet  to  be  had  as  ever 
were  acquired.  Not  all  the  discoveries  have  yet  been 
made,  not  all  the  good  words  have  yet  been  said,  not  all 
the  great  movements  have  yet  been  inaugurated,  not  all 
the  earth's  treasures  have  yet  come  to  light.  Before, 
however,  you  entertain  a  new  ambition,  measure  your  aim 
by  your  strength.  Ambition  is  a  weakness  when  it  is  dis- 
proportioned  to  the  capacity.  To  have  more  ambition  than 
ability  warrants  is  to  be  at  once  weak  and  unhappy.  Aim 
high,  but  never  attempt  an  eagle's  flight  with  a  sparrow's 
wing.  You  will  either  drop  exhausted  or  resort  to  tricks 
to  attain  your  aim.  Better  an  unheralded  benefactor  in 
the  valley  beneath  than  a  notorious  marauder  on  the 
mountain-top.  Weigh  well  the  purpose  of  your  ambi- 
tion. You  may  have  the  power  of  a  giant,  yet  the  object 
may  not  deserve  the  strength  of  a  dwarf.  The  accidental 
possession  of  a  giant's  strength  is  no  reason  for  its  being 
used  giant-like  in  an  unworthy  cause. 

If  great  powers  are  yours,  believe  that  they  have  been 


42 

given  you  for  great  and  good  works.  Cherish  a  noble 
ambition,  and  seek  to  attain  it  by  noble  means.  Be  right, 
and  you  need  have  no  fear  of  ultimate  success.  Few  men 
fail  who  deserve  success,  who  heroically  toil  for  it,  who 
patiently  wait  for  it.  And  even  if  they  fail,  far  better 
is  it  to  fail  in  the  right  than  to  succeed  in  the  wrong. 

RESPONSIVE    READINGS. 

(Superintendent  and  School  read  alternate  verses.) 

Superintendent : 

Occupy  the  body  and  mind,  though  not  to  excess ; 
And  trust  not  to  thy  family  inheritance. 

School : 

Work  with  zeal,  not  with  greed;  yet  only  to  supply  thy  wan  ts  ; 
He  who  is  contented  with  his  portion  shall  be  blessed. 

Be  not  avaricious  for  another's  possessions, 
Lest  thou  be  filled  with  bitterness. 

Covet  not  that  which  is  in  the  hands  of  others. 
Lest  thy  days  be  wasted  in  pain  and  grief. 

He  who  is  too  eager  to  rise  above  his  position 
Will  never  be  free  from  care. 

If  thou  canst  not  attain  what  thou  desirest, 
Seek  enjoyment  in  what  thou  hast. 

Let  not  the  love  of  riches  be  stronger  in  thy  sight 
Than  a  promise  made  either  in  public  or  private. 

Refrain  from  sharp  practice  and  evasions  : 
Thou  wilt  lose  all  thou  gainest  thereby. 

If  thou  desirest  what  thou  needest,  a  little  will  suffice  ; 
If  more  than  thou  needest,  nothing  will  suffice ; 

Woe  to  him  who  buildeth  his  house  upon  what  is  not  his  : 
In  a  swift  hour  it  will  bury  him  under  its  ruin. 


43 

Seek  not  to  enjoy  what  is  not  thine ; 

For  in  the  end  thou  wilt  lose  joy  in  what  thou  hast. 

Flee  far  from  acquiring  possessions  unjustly  ; 
But  help  others  to  establish  their  own. 

Mediaeval  Rabbis. 

HYMN. 

OUR  LIFE  IS  LIKE  A  HASTING  STREAM. 

Oh,  let  the  soul  its  slumber  break, 
Arouse  its  senses  and  awake, 

To  see  how  soon 

Life,  with  its  glory,  glides  away, 
And  the  stern  footsteps  of  decay 

Come  rolling  on. 

Alike  the  river's  lordly  tide, 
Alike  the  humble  brooklet's  glide, 

To  ocean's  wave ; 
Death  levels  poverty  and  pride, 
•    And  rich  and  poor  sleep  side  by  side 

Within  the  grave. 

Our  birth  is  but  the  starting-place, 
Life  is  the  running  of  the  race, 

And  death  the  goal ; 

There  all  life's  glittering  toys  are  brought. 
The  path  alone  of  all  unsought 

Is  found  of  all. 

(Turn  to  page  44.) 


44 


CONSECRATION. 

Superintendent : 

Thou,  O  God,  hast  led  Thy  servants  with  unchanging 
love.  From  the  very  beginning  of  our  existence  hast 
Thou  destined  us  for  a  noble  mission.  For  it  Thou  didst 
prepare  our  fathers  in  the  school  of  trial  and  tribulation, 
and  through  it  they  were  enabled  to  render  valuable  ser- 
vice in  the  spread  of  a  knowledge  of  Thee  and  of  Thy 
Law.  And  unless  they  had  suffered,  they  never  would  have 
achieved.  Those  whom  Thou  choosest  for  Thy  service, 
Thou  mouldest  in  the  furnace  of  affliction  and  harden- 
est  on  the  anvil  of  adversity,  to  keep  them  vigilant  at 
their  posts  and  mindful  of  their  duty.  Thou  heedest 
not  their  sighs  and  tears.  Thou  knowest  that,  in  the  ful- 
ness of  time,  they  will  tune  a  thanksgiving  hymn  for 
every  sigh,  and  the  world  will  bless  those  who  suffered 
and  achieved. 

Joyfully  do  we  consecrate  ourselves  anew  to-day  to  the 
work  our  fathers  have  begun.  Ours,  too,  shall  be  the  con- 
stant aim  and  effort  to  bring  ever  nearer  that  blessed  age. 
when  all  mankind's  goal  shall  be  our  creed : 

ONE  GOD  OVER  ALL; 
ONE  BROTHERHOOD  OF  ALL; 
PEACE  AND  GOOD-WILL  AMONG  ALL. 

In  joy  and  in  sorrow,  in  victory  and  in  defeat,  in  light 
and  in  darkness,  wherever  we  may  be  and  whatever  be 
our  lot,  we  shall  acknowledge  Thy  unity  and  holiness, 
and  pray  and  toil  for  the  speedy  dawn  of  that  day,  when 
Thou  wilt  be  reverenced  and  obeyed  the  whole  world  over, 
and  all  mankind  will  live  in  peace  and  unity. 

(School  Standing.) 


45 


Choir : 

Hear,  0  Israel :  the  Lord 
is  our  God,  the  Lord  is  One. 


Deut.  vi.  4. 


School : 


Praised  be  the  Lord,  the 


Praise-deserving, 
and  aye. 


for     ever 


irro' 


DIP 


Choir: 

Holy  !  Holy  !  Holy  !  is  the 
Lord  of  Hosts ;  the  whole 
earth  is  full  of  His  glory. 

Isaiah  vi.  3. 

School : 

The  Lord  shall  reign  for 
ever,  even  thy  God,  0  Zion, 
unto  all  generations.  Hal- 
leluiah. ps.  cxivi.  10. 

Choir: 

Have  we  not  all  One 
Father?  Hath  not  One 
God  created  us  ?  Why  doth 
brother  deal  treacherously 
against  brother  by  profaning 
the  covenant  of  our  fathers? 

Malachi  ii.  10. 


-ime 


Behold  how  good  and  how 
pleasant  it  is  for  brethren  to 
dwell  together  in  unity. 

Ps.  cxxxiii.  1. 

(School  Seated.) 


nrr  " 


46 

ADORATION. 

"1* 


Superintendent  : 

Lord  of  the  Universe,  Thou  hast  reigned  before  yet  any 
being  was  created,  and  till  now  hast  Thou  ruled  all  to 
which  Thy  creative  will  has  given  life.  And  though  the 
universe  should  vanish  and  all  life  pass  away,  even  then 
wilt  Thou  remain  the  Lord  and  Creator  Supreme.  Thou 
wast,  Thou  art,  and  Thou  wilt  for  ever  be  great  and  glo- 
rious. As  Thou  wast  without  beginning,  so  wilt  Thou  be 
without  end.  Thou  alone  boldest  sway  ;  besides  Thee  there 
is  none.  Thou  governest  in  everlasting  dominion.  Thou 
art  mighty  and  adorable,  and  Thy  greatness  is  unutter- 
able. Thine  are  the  heavens,  and  Thine  the  earth.  Thine 
is  the  day,  and  Thine  the  night.  Thou  hast  spread  out  the 
firmament,  and  laid  the  foundations  of  the  earth.  Thou 
leadest  forth  the  sun,  paintest  the  sky  with  the  brightest 
azure,  deckest  the  earth  with  inexpressible  loveliness. 
Thou  drawest  in  the  genial  light  of  day,  and  leadest 
forth  the  silvery  moon  and  the  millions  of  stars  that 
stand  as  faithful  sentinels  over  us  while  Thou  wrappest 
us  in  peaceful  slumber.  Thou  art  our  God,  our  Redeemer, 
our  Sheltering  Rock  in  distress,  our  Guide  and  Protector 
when  we  invoke  Thy  aid.  Into  Thy  care  we  commit  cm- 
bodies  and  souls,  sleeping  and  waking.  If  Thou  art  with 
us,  0  God,  we  have  nothing  to  fear. 


(REMARKS   BY  SUPERINTENDENT.) 


47 


CLOSING    HYMN. 

When  this  song  of  praise  shall  cease, 
Let  Thy  children,  Lord,  depart 

With  the  blessing  of  Thy  peace, 
And  Thy  love  in  every  heart. 

Oh,  where'er  our  path  may  lie, 

Father,  let  us  not  forget 
That  we  walk  beneath  Thine  eye, 

That  Thy  care  upholds  us  yet. 

Blind  are  we,  and  weak  and  frail : 
Be  Thine  aid  for  ever  near  ; 

May  the  fear  of  sin  prevail 
Over  every  other  fear. 

(School  rises,  and  Superintendent  pronounces  the  Benediction.) 

Choir  and  School: 
AMEN. 


ADDITIONAL  HYMNS. 


THY  NEIGHBOR. 

"  Thou  shalt  love  thy  neighbor  as  thy- 
self."—LEV.  xix.  18. 

Who  is  thy  neighbor  ?  he  whom  thou 
Hast  power  to  aid  or  bless  ; 

Whose  aching  heart  or  burning  brow 
Thy  soothing  hand  may  press. 

Thy  neighbor  ?  'tis  the  fainting  poor, 
Whose  eye  with  want  is  dim  ; 

O  enter  thou  his  humble  door 
With  aid  and  peace  for  him. 

Thy  neighbor  ?  he  who  drinks  the  cup 
When  sorrow  drowns  the  brim  ; 

With  words  of  high  sustaining  hope 
Go  thou  and  comfort  him. 

Thy  neighbor?  pass  no  mourner  by  ; 

Perhaps  thou  canst  redeem 
A  breaking  heart  from  misery, 

Go,  share  his  lot  with  him. 

WILLIAM  B.  O.  PEABODY. 


II. 
BLESSINGS  OF  KINDNESS. 

A  little  word  in  kindness  spoken, 

A  motion  or  a  tear, 

Has  often  healed  the  heart  that's  bro- 
ken, 

And  made  a  friend  sincere. 

A  word— a  look  -  has  crushed  to  earth 
Full  many  a  budding  flower 

Which,   had    a    smile  but  owned  its 

birth. 
Would  bless  life's  darkest  hour. 

Then  deem  it  not  an  idle  thing 

A  pleasant  word  to  speak  ; 
The  face  you  wear,  the  thought  you 

bring, 
A  heart  may  heal  or  break. 

J.  G.  WHITTIER 

III. 
ASPIRATION. 

One  and  universal  Father  ! 

Here  in  reverent  thought  we  gather, 

Seeking  light  in  honoring  Thee  ; 
Free  our  souls  from  error's  fetter  ; 
Make  us  wiser,  make  us  better  ; 

Be  our  guide,  our  guardian  be  ! 

To  the  paths  of  life  to  win  us, 
Thou,  O  God  !  didst  plant  within  us 

Aspirations  high  and  bright ; 
Bring  us  to  Thy  presence  nearer, 
Let  us  see  Thy  glories  clearer, 

Till  all  mists  shall  melt  in  light. 
ANO*. 


LIFE  IS  ONWARD. 

Life  is  onward  :  use  it 

With  a  forward  aim  ; 
Toil  is  heavenly  :  choose  it, 

And  its  warfare  claim. 
Look  not  to  another 

To  perform  your  will  ; 
Let  not  your  own  brother 

Keep  your  warm  hand  still. 

Life  is  onward  :  heed  it 

In  each  varied  dress  ; 
Your  own  act  can  speed  it 

On  to  happiness. 
His  bright  pinion  o'er  you 

Time  waves  not  in  vain, 
If  hope  chant  before  you 

Her  prophetic  strain. 

Life  is  onward  :  prize  it 

In  sunshine  and  in  storm  ; 
Oh,  do  not  despise  it 

In  its  humblest  form. 
Hope  and  joy  together, 

Standing  at  the  goal 
Through  life's  darkest  weather, 

Beckon  on  the  soul. 

ANON. 


POWER  OF  UNION. 

What  might  be  done    if  men    were 

wise — 

What    glorious   deeds,    my    suffering 
brother, 

Would  they  unite 
In  love  and  right, 
And  cease  their  scorn  of  one  another  ? 

Oppression's  heart  might  be  imbued 
With  kindling  drops  of  loving-kind- 
ness, 

And  knowledge  pour 

From  every  shore 
Light  on  the  eyes  of  mental  blindness. 

The  meanest  wretch  that  ever  trod. 
The  deepest  sunk  in  guilt  and  sorrow 

Might  stand  erect 

In  selt-respect. 

And  share  the  teeming  world  to-mor- 
row. 

What  might  be  done  ?  This  might  be 

done, 

And    more    than    this,    my  suffering 
brother, 

More  than  the  tongue 
E'er  said  or  sung. 

If  men  were  wise  and  loved  each  other. 
CHARLES  MACKAV. 


BE  KIND  TO  EACH  OTHER. 

Be  kind  to  each  other  : 

The  night's  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 

Perchance  may  be  gone  ; 
Then  'midst  our  dejection 

How  sweet  to  have  earned 
The  blest  recollection 

Of  kindness  returned : 
When  day  hath  departed, 

And  memory  keeps 
Her  watch,  broken-hearted. 

Where  all  she  loved  sleeps  ! 

Let  falsehood  assail  not, 

Nor  envy  disprove ; 
Let  trifles  prevail  not 

Against  those  ye  love. 
Nor  change  with  to-morrow 

Should  fortune  take  wing  ; 
But  the  deeper  the  sorrow 

The  closer  still  cling. 
Oh,  be  kind  to  each  other  : 

The  night's  coming  on, 
When  friend  and  when  brother 

Perchance  may  be  gone. 

CHARLES  SWAIN. 

VII. 
GOOD  LIFE. 

He  liveth  long  who  liveth  well. 
All  else  is  life  but  flung  away  : 

He  liveth  longest  who  can  tell 
Of  true  things  truly  done  each  day. 

Then   fill  the  hours  with  what  will 
last; 

Buy  up  the  moments  as  they  go  : 
The  life  above  when  this  is  past 

Is  the  ripe  fruit  of  life  below. 

H.    BONAR. 

VIII. 
DUTIES  OF  TO-DAY. 

To-day,  while  the  sun  shines, 

Work  with  a  will ; 
To-day  all  your  duties 

With  patience  fulfil. 

To-day  love  the  goodness 
That's  better  than  gold, 

And  the  truth  seek,  whose  value, 
Can  never  be  told. 

To-day  scatter  brightness 

Wherever  you  go  ; 
Gladness  comes  with  the  giving  ; 

Waves  grow  as  they  flow. 

To-day  is  ours  only  ; 

Work,  work  while  you  may  ; 
There  is  no  to-morrow, 

But  only  to-day. 

LUELLA  CLARK. 


IX. 
TRUE  FREEDOM. 

Men  !  whose  boast  it  is  that  ye 
Come  of  fathers  brave  and  free. 
If  there  breathe  on  earth  a  slave, 
Are  ye  truly  free  and  brave  ? 
If  ye  do  not  feel  the  chain 
When  it  works  a  brother's  pain, 
Are  ye  not  base  slaves,  indeed, 
Slaves  unworthy  to  be  freed  ? 

Is  true  freedom  but  to  break 
Fetters  for  our  own  dear  sake. 
And  with  heathen  hearts  forget 
That  we  owe  mankind  a  debt? 
No  !  true  freedom  is  to  share 
All  the  chains  our  brothers  wear, 
And  with  heart  and  hand  to  be 
Earnest  to  make  others  free  ! 

They  are  slaves  who  fear  to  speak 
For  the  fallen  and  the  meek  ; 
They  are  slaves  who  will  not  choose 
Hatred,  scoffing  and  abuse 
Rather  than  in  silence  shrink 
From  the  truth  they  needs  must  think; 
They  are  slaves  who  dare  not  be 
In  the  right  with  two  or  three. 

JAMES  RUSSELL  LOWELL. 


x. 


FEAR  NOT,  BROTHER. 

Fear  not  brother ; 
Do  the  right 
In  the  sight 

Of  God; 
Do  what's  right 
With  all  might 
Toman  ; 

Let  envy  rage,  malice  spite, 
Fear  not,  brother,  thou  art  right. 

Fear  not,  brother  ; 

Prove  thy  creed 
By  good  deed 
To  all ; 
Hand  extend 
Help  to  lend 
To  all ; 

Let  foes  decry  zealots  fight. 
Fear  not.  brother,  thou  art  right. 

Fear  not,  brother ; 

Wrong  forgive, 
Peaceful  live 

With  all ; 
Truth  defend 
Knowledge  send 

To  all  ; 

Let  people  say  what  they  might, 
Fear  not,  brother,  thou  art  right. 
JOSEPH  KRAUSKOPK. 


XI. 
FIFE'S  PURPOSE 

They  err  who  measure  life  by  years, 
With  false  or  thoughtless  tongue  ; 

Some  hearts  grow  old    before    their 

time  ; 
Others  are  always  young. 

'Tis  not  the  number  of  the  lines 

On  life's  fast-filling  page. 
'Tis  not  the  pulse's  added  throbs 

Which  constitute  their  age. 

Seize,  then,  the  minutes  as  they  pass  ; 

The  woof  of  life  is  thought ; 
Warm  up  the  colors  ;  let  them  glow 

With  fire  of  virtue  fraught. 

Live  to  some  purpose  ;  make  thy  life 

A  gift  of  use  to  thee  : 
A  joy,  a  good,  a  golden  hope, 

A  heavenly  argosy. 

BRYAN  W.  PROCTOR. 


XII. 

GLORY  TO  GOD. 

To  Jehovah,  God  of  might, 

Everlasting,  infinite, 

Dwelling  in  His  boundless  Heaven, 

Be  eternal  glory  given  ! 

His  the  power  the  love,  the  light,  j 

His  the  day  and  His  the  night. 

His  the  happy  blue  on  high. 

Earth's  green  round  of  spring  and  joy.    i 

Let  us,  then,  our  honor  bring 
To  this  mighty  Lord  and  King, 
Let  a  new  and  ceaseless  song 
Break  from  every  heart  and  tongue. 
Praise  Him  as  the  God  of  might, 
Praise  Him  as  the  Lord  of  light, 
To  His  name  our  song  we  raise, 
Him  let  man  forever  praise. 

HORATIUS   BONAR. 

XIII. 
THE  WORTH  OF  SUFFERING. 

Oh,  deem  not  that  earth's  crowning 
bliss 

Is  found  in  joy  alone  ; 
For  sorrow,  bitter  though  it  be, 

Hath  blessings  all  its  own. 

As  blossoms  smitten  by  the  rain 

Their  sweetest  odors  yield  ; 
As    where   thy   plough    has    deepest 
struck, 

Rich  harvests  crown  the  field  ; 

So  to  the  hopes,  by  sorrow  crushed, 

A  nobler  faith  succeeds  ; 
And  life,  by  trials  furrowed,  bears 

The  fiuit  of  loving  deeds. 

ANON. 


XIV. 
SPEAK  GENTLY. 

Speak  gently  of  the  erring  one 

And  let  us  not  forget, 
However  darkly  stained  by  sin, 

He  is  our  brother  yet 
Heir  of  the  same  inheritance, 

Child  of  the  self-same  God  ; 
He  has  but  stumbled  in  the  path 

We  have  in  weakness  trod. 

Speak  gently  to  the  erring  one, 

Thou  yet  may'st  lead  him  back 
With  holy  words  and  tones  of  love 

From  misery's  thorny  track. 
Forget  not,  thou  hast  often  sinned, 

And  sinful  yet  must  be  : 
Deal  gently  with  the  erring  one, 

As  God  has  dealt  with  thee. 

E.  FLETCHER. 

XV. 
OMNIPRESENCE. 

When  o'er  earth  is  breaking 

Rosy  light,  and  fair. 
Morn  afar  proclaimeth 

Sweetly,  God  is  there. 

When  the  Spring  is  wreathing 
Flowers  rich  and  rare, 

On  each  leaf  is  written. 
Nature's  God  is  there. 

When  the  storm  is  raging 
Through  the  midnight  air, 

Fearfully  its  thunder 
Tells  us  God  is  there. 

All  the  wide  world's  treasures, 
Rich,  or  grand,  or  fair, 

In  each  feature  beareth 
Graven,  God  is  there. 


ANON 


XVI. 


THE  RIGHTEOUS  MAN.    (Psalm  i  ) 

The  man  in  life,  where'er  placed. 

Hath  happiness  in  store, 
Who  walks  not  in  the  wicked's  way. 

Nor  learns  their  guilty  lore. 

Not  from  the  seat  of  scornful  pride 
Casts  forth  his  eyes  abroad, 

But.  with  humility  and  awe, 
Still  walks  before  his  God. 

That  man  shall  flourish  like  the  trees 
WThich  by  the  streamlets  grow  ; 

The  fruitful  top  is  spread  on  high, 
And  firm  the  root  below. 

But  he  whose  blossoms  bud  in  guilt 
Shall  to  the  ground  be  cast, 

And  like  the  worthless  stubble  tost 
Before  the  sweeping  blast. 

ROBERT  BURNS. 


XVII. 

OUR  GUIDING  STAR. 
(Psalm  xxxvii.  3.) 

Courage,  brother,  do  not  stumble, 
Though  thy  path  be  dark  as  night ; 

There  is  a  star  to  guide  the  humble  : 
"Trust  in  God  and  do  the  right." 

Let  the  road  be  rough  and  dreary, 
And  its  end  far  out  of  sight, 

Foot  it  bravely  !  strong  or  weary, 
"  Trust  in  God  and  do  the  right  " 

Perish  policy  and  cunning ! 

Perish  all  that  fears  the  light ! 
Whether  losing,  whether  winning, 

"  Trust  in  God  and  do  the  right." 

Some  will  hate  thee,  some  will  love 

thee, 

Some  will  flatter,  some  will  slight ; 
Cease  from  man  and  look  above  thee  : 
"  Trust  in  God  and  do  the  right." 
NORMAN  MACLEOD. 


XVIII. 

THE  MYSTERIES  OF  PROVI- 
DENCE. 

God  moves  in  a  mysterious  way 

His  wonders  to  perform  : 
He  plants  His  footsteps  in  the  sea, 

And  rides  upon  the  storm. 

Deep  in  unfathomable  mines 

Of  never-failing  skill, 
He  treasures  up  His  bright  designs. 

And  works  His  sovereign  will. 

Judge  not  the  Lord  by  feeble  sense, 
But  trust  Him  for  His  grace  : 

Behind  a  frowning  providence 
He  hides  a  smiling  face. 

His  purposes  will  ripen  fast, 

Unfolding  every  hour  : 
The  bud  may  have  a  bitter  taste, 

But  sweet  will  be  the  flower. 

Blind  unbelief  is  sure  to  err. 
And  scan  His  work  in  vain  : 

God  is  His  own  interpreter, 
And  He  will  make  it  plain. 

WILLIAM  COWPER. 


XIX. 


SPEAK  GENTLY. 

Speak  gently  :  it  is  better  far 

To  rule  by  love  than  fear  ; 
Speak  gently:  let  no  harsh  words  mar 

The  good  we  might  do  here. 

Speak  gently  to  the  aged  one, 
Grieve  not  the  careworn  heart ; 

The  sands  of  life  are  nearly  run  ; 
Let  such  in  peace  depart. 

Speak  gently,  kindly,  to  the  poor, 
Let  no  harsh  tones  be  heard  ; 

They  have  enough  they  must  endure 
Without  an  unkind  word. 

Speak  gently  to  the  erring  ;  know 
They  may  have  toiled  in  vain  ; 

Perchance  unkindness  made  them  so  ; 
Oh,  win  them  back  again. 

Speak  gently  :  'tis  a  little  thing 
Dropped  in  the  heart's  deep  well ; 

The  good,  the  joy,  which  it  may  bring 
Eternity  shall  tell. 

D    BATES. 


XX. 

CHOOSE  THOU  THE  PATH 
FOR  ME 

Thy  way.  not  mine,  O  Lord, 

However  dark  it  be  ; 
Lead  me  by  Thine  own  hand, 

Choose  Thou  the  path  for  me. 

Smooth  let  it  be  or  rough, 

It  will  be  still  the  best; 
Winding  or  straight  it  leads 

Right  onward  to  Thy  rest. 

Take  Thou  my  cup,  and  it 

With  joy  or  sorrow  fill 
As  best  to  Thee  may  seem  ; 

Choose  Thou  my  good  or  ill. 

Not  mine,  not  mine  the  choice 
In  things  or  great  or  small ; 

Be  Thou  my  guide,  my  strength, 
My  wisdom,  and  my  all. 

HORATIUS   BOXAR. 


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